Welcome to the official Web site of the American Academy of Pediatrics — an organization of 60,000 pediatricians committed to the attainment of optimal physical, mental, and social health and well-being for all infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. Whether you're looking for general child health information or for more specific guidelines concerning a pediatric issue, you've come to the right place. Here, you'll find information regarding the Academy's many programs and activities…our policies and guidelines…our publications and other child health resources…and much, much more. Best of all, you can rest assured that the information comes from the nation's leading child health experts and that we have scientific research supporting our recommendations.

If you're a parent, be sure to visit our new Web site for families, HealthyChildren.org. The only Web site backed by 60,000 AAP member pediatricians, HealthyChildren.org offers trustworthy, up-to-the-minute health care information and guidance for parents and caregivers, along with interactive tools and personalized content. In addition to finding the most reliable pediatric health information available online, visitors to the new site can search for a local AAP member pediatrician – your very best source for children's health advice – using the site's enhanced "Find a Pediatrician" tool. You can also get answers to specific questions by clicking on "Ask a Pediatrician."

Regardless of whether you're an AAP member, a health professional or a parent, the fact that you're visiting our Web site tells me you're a person who's interested in child health. In light of that interest, I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage you to join the AAP in calling America's attention to the fact that millions of children in this country don't get the health care they need simply because they don’t have insurance. The Obama administration and Congress are working to implement the Affordable Care Act that will determine the course of health care for all Americans. Our children must be first in line as that course is determined, and pediatricians will be working hard to make sure all children have access to high quality, cost effective pediatric health services provided through a medical home. But we can’t do it alone, and that's why we need others, like you, to advocate for children's access to health care in your own communities.